Fr. Raymond F. Collins, S.T.D., is a renowned expert on the New Testament, an award-winning professor, and a visiting scholar in the Department of Religious Studies at Brown University. The former dean of the School of Religious Studies and professor of New Testament at The Catholic University of America, he has also served as a member of the faculty of theology at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, where he was chair of the Programs in English, long-time editor of Louvain Studies, and rector of the American College. He is a member of the Rome-based Ecumenical Pauline Colloquium. Fr. Collins earned his licentiate and doctoral degrees in sacred theology from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
He is the author and/or editor of twenty books on the New Testament, including An Introduction to the New Testament (1983) and major commentaries on First Corinthians (Sacra Pagina, 1999), 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (New Testament Library, 2002), and Second Corinthians (Paideia, 2013). An associate editor of The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Fr. Collins has contributed to The Encyclopedia of Religion, The New Jerome Biblical Commentary, The Encyclopedia of Religion, The Encyclopedia of Catholicism, The Anchor Bible Dictionary, and The New Interpreters’ Dictionary of the Bible. He has written more than two hundred articles for scholarly and pastoral journals in the United States and abroad.
Praise for Raymond Collins
“Fr. Ray Collins is one of the finest New Testament scholars in the English-speaking world. . . . Fr. Collins uses an easy and understandable style.”
– Fr. John Ludwig
“Father Collins’ superb scholarship shines through his accessible, lively and engaging lectures. As a parish director of adult education, I find them extremely helpful. They bring to life the New Testament writings in the context of the early Christian communities, allowing the viewer to better appreciate the relevance of these writings for today.”
– Fátima Lee, Ph.D., Lay Pastoral Associate
“Not only a world class New Testament scholar and a prolific author of over fifteen books and three hundred articles, Fr. Raymond F. Collins is also a dynamic educator who makes complex ideas interesting and accessible to the non-expert. For good reason, he has been invited to conduct seminars, workshops and retreats around the world. If you are interested in solid, sound and erudite Biblical interpretation, look no further.”
– Edward Sirois, Chair, Religious Studies, La Salle Academy
Kathleen –
Fr. Collins is an excellent presenter and speaker.
Fr. Collins is an excellent presenter and speaker. He has given a much needed update on Mary Magdalene that many already know. However, I continue to hear from laity and clergy alike the role assigned to her by Pope Gregory I. Of course, I give my little input in these instances.
Richard –
It allows you to Meet the ‘Real’ Mary Magdalene
As the title suggests, it allows you to Meet the ‘Real’ Mary Magdalene, not someone who has endured a too-long reputation of someone who she “was not.”
Rev. Anne –
Father Collins is a brilliant teacher and spiritual leader.
There is so much interest in Mary Magdalene. It is good to reflect on the Biblical and historical facts and hear about ancient and modern scholarship and misunderstandings. Father Collins is a brilliant teacher and spiritual leader.
Kathleen –
Very refreshing.
Fr. Raymond F. Collins is a very lucid presenter and covers this topic with expertise as he introduces us to the “Real Mary Magdalene.” Mary has been so misunderstood for many centuries – Fr. Collins brings conveys the woman she really is- this is very refreshing.
Kathleen –
a delight to hear her true story
Mary Magdalene has been misunderstood and down rated for so long that it is a delight to hear her true story and contributions to Christianity.
Joan –
Promotes the truth about Mary Magdalene
Promotes the truth about Mary Magdalene and teaches us how much Jesus valued women and their role in the Church.
Larry –
A deeper understanding
Scholarly facts are presented that help debunk common myths and give us a deeper understanding of people in the Bible.
Kathleen –
Unique way of presenting
Mary of Magdala has such a misunderstood and storied history. Fr. Raymond Collins has a unique way of presenting the Real Mary Magdalene. Thanks!
Diane S., MA –
Winter Survey: January 2017
The program guide is very clear, and the presentation has many details of the subject. The speaker (Fr. Collins) has a clear diction, and keeps my interest with realistic analogies to illustrate his points.
Joan M., FL –
Summer Survey: July 2017
Factual information about the real Mary Magdalene, a woman possessed by demons, driven out by Jesus, who then became his disciple. Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute, as is incorrectly reported about her.
Carol R., TN –
Summer Survey: July 2017
Many myths were exposed, explained and corrected.